Republic senior guard Alice Heinzler has committed to play basketball at College of the Ozarks. Heinzler goes from a state championship program at Republic to a college program that has played in the NAIA national championship game four times in the past seven years.
“Great coaches, great players, a winning program” attracted her to C of O, she says. But it was more than that.
“I think the school in general. I have a feeling I’ll fit in there — their values, their morals and their tradition,” says Heinzler. “When I went down there, I just felt really comfortable down there. They made me feel really welcome down there before I even committed.”
Heinzler was the leading scorer on last year’s team. Republic coach Kris Flood says Heinzler brings hard work and leadership to the Lady Tigers, and will take those traits to College of the Ozarks next season, too.
“She’s one of those kids, when you get in a big-game situation, she steps up. That’s all you can ask, especially for a kid who’s going to the next level,” says Flood.
“She’s a positive leader. She’s not one of those who’ll yell at the other kids. She’s more positive with them, trying to build them up,” he says. “It’s good to have her for one more year, but I think that will be an excellent fit for her down there.”